A season after cementing their worst record in L.A. franchise history, the Lakers will not spend Christmas at home. They will instead travel to Chicago and face Pau Gasol for the first time since he left the Lakers this offseason.

Lakers vs. Clippers, Oct 31 on ESPN, April 5 on NBA TV (designated home games); Jan. 7 on Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Prime Ticket, April 7 on TNT (designated road games) all at 7:30 p.m. except for April 7 (6:30 p.m.) at Staples Center

It takes a long time to erase the equity the Lakers built through 16 NBA championships. But in the short term, the Clippers appear equipped to have bragging rights over their crosstown rivals.

The sight of LeBron James and Kevin Love in Cavaliers uniforms will sting the Lakers, which had hoped those two signature pieces would jump-start another championship era in L.A.. Lakers coach Byron Scott will face his former team after struggling with its rebuilding efforts for three seasons following James’ initial departure.